Leh and Dharamsala are very very far from each other. It usually should take 1-2 days to get there, even with flight since Dharamsala has no nearby airport. But we managed to reach Dharamsala from Leh in a little over 7 hours.

11am Flight from Leh to Jammu

12:30pm Taxi from Jammu Airport to the Jammu General Bus Station (150 rupees, 20 min)

While in the taxi to the bus station, this parking attendant tried to make us pay. However, the driver slapped his hand and accelerated off like a maniac into a crowded market. Luckily, nobody was hurt except for this attendant’s ego.

Our "semideluxe" buses to Pathankot and Dharamsala

A river red with…?

Making it to Dharamsala by sundown.

Mission accomplished!

McLeod Ganj’s Main Chowk (square)

At Dharamsala, we met up with Shyam Singh, who was born and raised in McCleod Ganj, India. I met Shyam a year ago on the rooftop of Nukkad Guesthouse in Udaipur. And now almost exactly a year later, I would keep my promises by meeting him in his hometown.

Of course we went out and got caught in a dance battle. I didn’t start it, I swear. But I would for sure be the one to end it (hah!).

But really, this firedancer came up and smoked all of us (no pun intended).

What a great way to celebrate the belated birthday of the Dalai Lama.

The next morning we walked over to Tsuglagkhang Complex in the surreal fog of McLeod Ganj. The Tsuglugkhang Complex is the current residence of the Dalai Lama. Unfortunately he happens to be in Washington DC at the moment, so we couldn’t stop by and wish him a happy belated. But we did tour around his complex nonetheless, observing the community of Tibetans and Tibetan monks eating and debating together.

Afterwards, we shopped a little for some handicrafts and went out for dinner. Not a stressful day at all.

Tonight we leave on an 12hr. overnight bus (HRCTC State bus, A/C Deluxe Sleeper Class for 1023 rupees) to Delhi to catch a morning flight to Jodhpur. Fingers crossed that Stephanie will be there to meet us at the airport. Please wish her stomach well!